Flo Partridge will be shaving off her hair to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Eli Hill
Today was a hair-raising day for Flo Partridge – she shaved off all her hair to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.
The eight-year-old, Greytown Primary School pupil has already surpassed her initial goal of $1500 and is aiming to raise $3000.
It’s a big commitment for someone who is only eight years old, but though Flo admits to being “a little nervous”, she’s incredibly determined.
“I’m really inspired by the work of Child Cancer Foundation. I want to help them by raising money by shaving my hair because some people go through life losing things, so I want to lose something so I can give something back to them.”
Every week in New Zealand three families hear the devastating news their child has cancer.
Chemotherapy means some of these children have to face the world with no hair. By shaving off her hair, Flo hopes to raise funds and awareness of the impact of cancer on children and their families.
“We smashed our original target of $1500 in about two days, so we’ve upped it to $3000!
“When I heard that I was very happy and did a little dance.”
Flo’s mum, Lucy Cooper, has been amazed at people’s generosity.
“People have been incredibly supportive of Flo. We’ve had lots of donations, including quite a few of over $100, and some beautiful messages of support.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who’s got behind her campaign, including Flo’s fabulous teacher, Nickee Verstraten and Greytown Primary principal, Patrice O’Connor.”
The Child Cancer Foundation in Wellington have also been very much involved.
CCF business development manager Tony Fitzgerald, has provided Flo and her family advice on how to set up the fundraising campaign and will there to see Flo’s epic haircut on the big day and share some information with the school community about the foundation’s work.
The foundation, which was formed in 1978, gives personalised support to families, parents and children impacted by child cancer by providing a one-to-one connection.
Its family support co-ordinators help with the big things like emotional, social and practical support as well as providing well-being packs, travel assistance and household support.
The charity also supports child cancer research through the Child Cancer Foundation challenge research fund.
“I can’t imagine what it would be like to be told your child has cancer”, said Lucy,
“So to know that an organisation like the Child Cancer Foundation is there to help must be an enormous comfort.”
- People looking to support Flo and the work of the Child Cancer Foundation can donate to her campaign at https://createyourown.everydayhero.com/nz/flo-s-head-shave
